At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Traincrew Programme, coordinating multiple workstreams for operational success.
- Company: Join Northern, a key player in the rail industry with a focus on reliability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and tailored career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and employee recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail while leading meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex programmes and influencing senior stakeholders required.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 66000 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations
SALARY: Circa £66,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: Leeds/York/Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every service that arrives on time, every customer journey that runs smoothly, and every timetable we deliver, there is a huge amount of planning, coordination and expertise happening behind the scenes. As our Traincrew Programme Manager, you'll take ownership of one of the most important operational programmes in our business. This role sits at the heart of our Operational Readiness team and will shape how we plan, deploy and optimise traincrew across the network for years to come. You'll be responsible for turning strategy into action, bringing together workforce planning, training, rostering, and utilisation into one integrated programme that delivers real, measurable results. This is a role with significant visibility and influence. You'll work closely with senior leaders across Northern and the wider rail industry, helping us build a sustainable traincrew model that improves performance, strengthens operational resilience and supports the future of rail in the North. If you enjoy solving complex challenges, bringing people together around a common goal, and leading change at scale, you'll find plenty to get stuck into here.
What you'll be doing
- You'll lead the end-to-end delivery of Northern's Traincrew Programme, making sure multiple workstreams come together as one clear, coordinated plan.
- Own the overall programme roadmap, ensuring priorities, dependencies and delivery milestones remain aligned.
- Translate strategic objectives into practical, achievable programmes of work.
- Build and lead programme governance, providing clear reporting, insight and assurance to senior stakeholders and executive leaders.
- Drive programme delivery across multiple functions including workforce planning, recruitment, training, rostering, and utilisation activity.
- Define, measure and realise programme benefits, ensuring improvements are reflected in day-to-day operational performance.
- Lead and influence stakeholders across all areas within Northern.
- Identify and manage programme risks, developing mitigation plans that keep delivery on track.
- Establish consistent delivery standards, governance frameworks and ways of working that continue long after the programme has been delivered.
- Lead specialist resources and create a high-performing culture focused on outcomes, accountability and continuous improvement.
About you
- Leading large-scale programmes, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering meaningful change – that's the foundation of this role.
- We're looking for someone who can bring together complex moving parts and create clarity, momentum and results.
- Significant experience leading complex, cross-functional programmes in large operational environments.
- A track record of delivering strategic change and measurable business improvements.
- Strong programme management expertise, including governance, integration, benefits realisation and risk management.
- The confidence to engage with and influence senior leaders, including executive-level stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear decisions and actions.
- Experience managing competing priorities and navigating ambiguity while maintaining focus on outcomes.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to create alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience working with large budgets and financial targets.
- A collaborative approach and a genuine belief that the best results come from working together.
We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we'll always offer an interview. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob, there's a place for you here in the railway.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That's why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Traincrew Programme Manager - 2 year fixed term in Leeds employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. As a Traincrew Programme Manager, you'll benefit from generous perks such as unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored career development opportunities, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of rail in the North. Join us in Leeds, York, or Manchester, where your contributions will be recognised and celebrated, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Traincrew Programme Manager - 2 year fixed term in Leeds
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Northern. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Northern.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Northern.
We think you need these skills to ace Traincrew Programme Manager - 2 year fixed term in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Northern and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Northern will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Northern.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Northern.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Northern. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
